Jonathan Rinaldi Faces 18 Forgery Charges Over AI-Faked Endorsements in Queens Race
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 25
Jonathan Rinaldi Faces 18 Forgery Charges Over AI-Faked Endorsements in Queens Race
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 25
Summary
Queens prosecutors charged Jonathan Rinaldi, 47, with three counts of forgery and 15 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument over AI-generated fake articles and endorsements posted during his 2025 City Council campaign.
Prosecutors said the falsified social-media materials were designed to help him win "by any means" and defraud voters and political rivals; Rinaldi had already acknowledged creating false endorsements.
The fake backers included the Queens Jewish Alliance and Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, a Democrat who later became Rinaldi's opponent in this week's state Assembly race, which he lost.
Prosecutors said the case is believed to be New York's first criminal prosecution of a politician over AI-generated campaign deception, as at least 30 states have moved to regulate such election use.
New York this month began enforcing a civil disclosure law for ads using AI-generated figures, with fines of up to $5,000 for failing to label them as synthetic performers.
When AI can convincingly fake reality, how can our laws protect the integrity of future elections?
As AI forgeries become common, what can be done to prevent the 'Liar's Dividend' in politics?
The Arrest of Jonathan Rinaldi: How AI-Generated Misinformation Sparked New York’s First Criminal Election Interference Case
Overview
On June 24, 2026, Jonathan Rinaldi was arrested and arraigned in New York’s first criminal case against a politician for AI-related election interference. He faces 18 charges after admitting to creating and spreading false endorsements on social media during his City Hall campaign. These AI-generated endorsements, including deepfakes and fabricated support from groups like the Queens Jewish Alliance and Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, were meant to mislead voters about his backing. Rinaldi’s actions highlight the growing threat of AI-driven misinformation in elections and have prompted new laws and stronger regulations to protect electoral integrity.